The Missouri Botanical Garden is informing individuals about a cybersecurity incident that exposed sensitive personal data. On March 7, 2024, an unauthorized third party gained access to the organization’s network and obtained certain files. In response, the Garden engaged third-party cybersecurity specialists to secure its systems and investigate the breach. Affected individuals were promptly notified as part of their commitment to transparency.
The stolen data included names, driver’s license numbers, passport details, medical information, health insurance details, and Social Security numbers. However, not all individuals had every type of information compromised. The organization emphasized this distinction in their notifications to clarify the extent of the breach for each affected person. Despite this, the variety of potentially exposed data highlights the seriousness of the breach.
As part of its response, the Missouri Botanical Garden is offering free credit monitoring services for 12 months to impacted individuals. These services aim to mitigate potential risks, such as identity theft or financial fraud, arising from the breach. The organization is also taking additional measures to bolster its cybersecurity defenses to prevent similar incidents in the future. These proactive steps underscore their dedication to protecting sensitive information.
In a statement, the Missouri Botanical Garden reaffirmed its commitment to privacy and data security. They expressed regret over the incident and assured affected individuals of their efforts to enhance cybersecurity protocols. The organization continues to work with experts to evaluate and implement strategies to reduce vulnerabilities in its systems. Their transparent approach reflects a prioritization of trust and accountability in addressing this issue.
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